Halo-Halo: Mixed Shaved Ice Dessert
Halo-halo means mix-mix: a tall glass of shaved ice, sweetened beans, fruits and jellies, topped with leche flan, ube and evaporated milk. It is the Philippines' favorite summer treat.
About Halo-Halo
Halo-halo is the Philippines' favorite shaved ice dessert, with sweet beans, fruits, jellies, leche flan and ube. The name means mix-mix, because you stir everything together before eating. It is a classic summer treat.
Halo-halo is beloved across the Philippines and is especially popular in hot weather. Every region and every cook has a slightly different version, but the idea is the same: layers of sweet toppings, fluffy ice and creamy milk. The ube and leche flan toppings make it special.
Ingredient notes
- Shaved ice: fine and fluffy, not chunky.
- Sweetened beans, banana, jackfruit and nata de coco: the base toppings.
- Evaporated milk: the creamy pour.
- Ube halaya, leche flan and ice cream: the finishing toppings.
Tips for the best Halo-Halo
- Use fine ice. For the right texture.
- Prepare the toppings ahead. For quick assembly.
- Mix before eating. That is the point.
What to serve with Halo-Halo
Serve in tall glasses with a long spoon.
Variations and substitutions
- With ube: use ube ice cream.
- Less sweet: reduce sweetened toppings.
- Flan: see Leche Flan.
- Ube halaya: see Ube Halaya.
Storing and reheating
Assemble just before serving. The toppings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Frequently asked questions
What toppings?
Beans, fruit, flan, ube.
Can I use crushed ice?
Fine shaved ice is best, but a blender can crush ice finely.
What toppings are essential?
Sweet beans, jelly, banana and milk are the basics.
More Filipino recipes you might like
Leche Flan, Bibingka and Sapin-Sapin.
